Ingredients
For the crust
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling
• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the cinnamon swirl and topping
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Honey for drizzling
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the crust: preheat oven to 325°F. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press firmly into a springform pan to form an even base. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
2️⃣ Make the creamy filling: beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add sugar, sour cream, honey, and vanilla extract, mixing until silky. Blend in eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
3️⃣ Create the cinnamon swirl: in a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter into a thick paste. Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the crust. Dollop half of the cinnamon mixture on top and swirl gently with a knife. Add the remaining filling, smooth the surface, and finish with the rest of the cinnamon swirl, creating a spiral pattern.
4️⃣ Bake low and slow: place the springform pan in a water bath and bake for 55 to 65 minutes until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5️⃣ Chill and finish: Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a honeybun bakery look. Drizzle with honey for extra shine. Slice with a warm knife for clean edges.
Notes
Pro oh là là tip: for that perfect honeybun glow, brush a little warm honey over the swirl as soon as the cheesecake comes out of the oven. It melts into the cinnamon and gives you that irresistible bakery finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill time: 4+ hours
- Cook Time: 1 hour